(Credit: Xbox)
Microsoft is teasing the next-generation Xbox by announcing a partnership with AMD to develop chips for multiple devices.
On Tuesday, Microsoft published a video about the “strategic multi-year” partnership with AMD, the current chip supplier for the Xbox Series X console and last generation’s Xbox One. The two companies will "co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including our next-generation Xbox consoles, in your living room, and in your hands," says Xbox President Sarah Bond.
The “in your hands” is the latest clue that Microsoft is preparing a portable handheld Xbox, despite rumors that the company had temporarily shelved the project.
The other interesting wrinkle is that Bond says the company is committed to delivering an Xbox experience "not locked to a single store, or tied to one device." Might this open the Xbox to Steam?
The one-minute video doesn’t offer much else, except reiterate Microsoft’s ongoing effort to expand Xbox beyond consoles to all kinds of third-party devices with the help of cloud gaming. Still, Bond uses the clip to hype up the AMD partnership, saying it promises to unlock even better graphics and immersive gaming experiences.
“The next generation Xbox is coming to life and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to show you what’s next,” Bond adds, without elaborating or offering a date.
Meanwhile, AMD's SVP for Computing and Graphics, Jack Huynh, tweeted: “This isn’t just a hardware evolution—it’s a bold, shared vision to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.” This includes creating “an open, player-first ecosystem—not locked to a single device or store."
The bigger commitment to an open ecosystem might appeal to consumers. Still, Microsoft faces heated competition in the gaming space. Sony’s PlayStation 5 has been a huge hit and Nintendo’s newly released Switch 2 is bound to attract tens of million in sales. At the same time, Valve’s Steam Deck has been making waves by offering handheld PC gaming on a Linux-based operating system.
In response, Microsoft recently partnered with Asus to create an Xbox-themed handheld with the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds, which both use AMD chips. However, no pricing or launch date has been announced, although the handhelds are slated to arrive later this year.